Basic research: a continuing imperative for clinical practice.

Abstract

Basic biomedical research is essential to progress in prevention and treatment of disease and often results in massive economic benefits to society. Despite this, the financial and institutional bases that support basic scientists is under threat in our rapidly changing society. Polio vaccination is cited as an outstanding example of both an unexpected outcome of basic research and an enormous economic return to society on the original research investment. Interventional catheterization and the potential of successful gene therapy for cystic fibrosis are further examples of great potential economics benefits flowing from fundamental research. One great impediment to adequate investment in basic research is the lack of understanding of its nature. Canadian scientists need to be much more active in bridging the cultural gap between science and society and especially in educating national policy makers about the major economic benefits resulting from previous investments in basic biomedical research.